I have experienced incredible hospitality and I plan to return such generosity in Atlanta and beyond! Reflections on Zimbabwe:
- The handshake - shake hands, then shake the thumb, then back to the handshake
- People receive a gift with both hands and a bow
- Cleaners are perhaps the most industrious- clean offices at 9 am, not before workers arrive, then clean again at 4- the mop is always in the hand
- Load sharing- in Zim and SA means the govt doesn't have the funds to pay for electricity so they turn it off in areas, on a random basis. When I arrived at my AirBnB in Cape Town, my host said our area was exempt. In the wine country, saw a big sign proclaiming: "Electricity all the time." At the movie theatre the sign read, "We are not responsible if the electricity goes out, no refunds."
- Sometimes the traffic lights do not work or one on the side works, so driving can be hazardous
- Drivers have to have a fire extinguisher in the car and pay for a radio license. Always have to take into consideration police checks- totally arbitrary- depends on how much money they need
- Zimbabweans are constantly studying- they don't have many other options
- Despite the desperate situation, many are preparing, readying themselves for change- similar to what SA went through
- I felt safe virtually everywhere- people were always willing to lend a hand. Today in Cape Town I saw a Parking Guard lady singing- no ear plugs - I stopped to chat- she said singing relieves the tension- she doesn't want to get upset, so she sings aloud!
- Family is central to their lives. Everyone has a rural area to go home to. No such thing as a nuclear family. Everyone is responsible for their siblings' children - most of all, to help with the education.
- Zim is a conservative society. Elders are highly respected, even if they may be doing the wrong thing. Most are religious. Therefore abortion, gay rights, etc. does not come into play in their lives
- Women's hairstyles range from short cropped to orange, yellow, red braids - hair piled high, hair flowing down the back - straight, curly and everything in between
- People buy airtime by the dollar- most do not have plans.
- Sadza - refined white cornmeal - is the staple. Eaten by most Zim at least once a day- with their hands and a small amount of meat and veggies with some gravy. A plate costs about $2.
- I am so thankful I brought Starbucks coffee. They drink tea or instant
- Why didn't someone at REI mention that it's winter in Zim and therefore I did not need my own mosquito net nor tubes of DEET?
- It's a mystery why they don't have more outbreaks of cholera - they wash their hands with water only - no soap, no drying
- America is a far away place. Often the question I got was: "How is America?" Obama is well-known and respected, they know where FL. is and that it's cold in the north
- I was an unknown commodity - older, single, no children
- I was always welcomed as a Jew....luckily we didn't get into those conversations of - & who do you think Jesus was again?
- Very dangerous driving- potholes (really little ravines,) cattle, cyclists, pedestrians, & more
- Not surprising- Africa is their focal point, in particular SDAC- Southern Africa
- What the colonialists did was indescribable- always need to remember this when they are hesitant to take advice from Westerners - in particular the UK
- How long can a country run on empty?
- I saw a small slice, I learned a lot, I have much to research, read and learn from others, so many questions were raised- there are no easy answers to this mysterious, incredible place called Zimbabwe.
- Anele says I must come back for a real safari - that means, get in a truck and travel many lands.
- Thanks, dear readers, for your interest. I'll talk to you all soon.
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